Prediabetes is a state in which a person's blood sugar levels are elevated, though not to the extent that qualifies as diabetes.
advertisementCheck your fasting blood sugar levels.
(Photo: Getty Images)In prediabetes, when blood sugar levels rise, the body attempts to eliminate excess sugar through urine, leading to a concurrent loss of water.
In fact, it is a distinct clinical entityPre-diabetes is not "mild diabetes" or "borderline diabetes," as is often thought.
Sleep enough every day to reduce any spike in blood sugar levels.
With India now known as the diabetes capital of the world, the steps to curb the increasing cases of this disorder is crucial.
Last year, according to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research–India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB), at least 136 million people (15.3% of the population) have prediabetes and over 315 million people have high blood pressure.
Prediabetes is a state in which a person's blood sugar levels are elevated, though not to the extent that qualifies as diabetes. These levels surpass the norm but fall below the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis.
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Check your fasting blood sugar levels. If it lies between 100mg/dL to 125mg/dL, you come under the prediabetes category. You can also check for glycosylated haemoglobin. It is average sugar for three months and if it is more than 5.7 but less than 6.3, that is pre-diabetes as well. According to a study, at least 136 million people have prediabetes. (Photo: Getty Images)
In prediabetes, when blood sugar levels rise, the body attempts to eliminate excess sugar through urine, leading to a concurrent loss of water.
This process results in mild dehydration, triggering increased thirst in affected individuals.
So if you're feeling very thirsty all the time, it could be a sign of prediabetes.
Endocrinologist Dr Atul Luthra, Director and HOD Fortis C-DOC, Gurugram, said that prediabetes is not "mild diabetes" or "borderline diabetes" as a lot of people think it is. In fact, it is a distinct clinical entity
Pre-diabetes is not "mild diabetes" or "borderline diabetes," as is often thought. It is a distinct clinical entity wherein the blood glucose levels are more than normal but lower than the cut-off values that define diabetes.
"Population data has revealed that the pool of patients having prediabetes is even higher than the burden of type 2 diabetes in India. There is high insulin resistance but the pancreas works overtime to prevent diabetes from manifesting," said Dr Atul Luthra.
Senior Consultant Diabetologist Dr Aarif Hussain Bhat, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, said that prediabetes if left unchecked, can progress into type 2 diabetes, which has serious implications.
Prediabetes, if left unchecked, can progress into type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition with serious health consequences.
"Over time, persistently high blood sugar levels associated with prediabetes can damage organs and tissues throughout the body, leading to complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, vision problems, and circulation issues. It can also increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy," said Dr Aarif Hussain Bhat.
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Prediabetes may be on the rise, but it can be reversed.
Dr Hussain said, "Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential for early detection and management of prediabetes."
A healthy lifestyle is the quickest way to recovery.
Start exercising, including physical activity into your daily routine and lower your sugar intake. Be mindful of maintaining a healthy body weight by having a diet of vegetables and proteins. Sleep enough every day to reduce any spike in blood sugar levels.
Published By: Daphne Clarance Published On: Apr 7, 2024
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